Update to this thread - Autoglass are currently on my drive replacing a cracked screen (unlucky stone strike right on the edge in the corner cracked straight away). Whilst our Ateca only has light and rain sensors, and no heated screen (i.e. just the lollipop-shaped rear view mirror housing as opposed to the large square one) the fitter noticed my Leon Cupra ST with "all of the toys" and mentioned in passing that Autoglass (he claimed this is unique in the UK windscreen replacement business) have in invested in calibration equipment and training for all VAG cars and are now able to replace all screen types, including those with forward-facing cameras etc. "in house". This does require a visit to their depot for all of the laser alignment though. Just thought it worth a mention if anyone's unlucky with their screen as well

I have no connection with Autoglass other than as a customer, etc......

They’re not unique in that regard! I had a heated screen and calibration done by National Windscreens in Glasgow several months ago. However at least this means Ateca owners have wider options for replacement- unless of course it’s an insurance claim and your insurer has a recommended repairer you need to use!

Auto Glass are coming to mine this afternoon to repair a chip. It's a combination chip so hopefully they won't suggest a new screen as it isn't too big and hasn't spread. If he suggests a complete screen I'm inclined to insist on just a repair. Big difference in the insurance Excess. Not sure if this might cause issues later with my insurer if it does finally go. Presuming I don't change insurers, they wouldn't be in any worse position. I only have a heated screen but Auto Glass did mention they now have calibration centres.

I got a small stone chip near the top left corner of the screen on a van I hired when moving house. I'd previously taken out glass cover on a hire with another company but this company refused to add it on after I'd travelled half a day to collect the van - and I'd have forfeited my hire payment if I didn't hire it. Unsurprisingly National Windscreens deemed the chip (smaller than a little finger nail) irrepairable and the hire company authorised a new one, invoicing me for the replacement cost. I suspect the national chain will also receive a small rebate on all purchases, so it would be in their interests to replace glass if they can pass on the costs.

Although it's not really relevant, it is a cautionary tail to understand the economic motives and to not be thrifty (uh hum) when considering insurance.

Hope no-one minds me rekindling this thread - I just wanted to check what I was getting into.

Wife was unlucky enough to have a stone thrown up and hit the screen. It's a small chip but with waves around it to the size of a penny. Our insurance covers repair/replacement...with Autoglass. It's booked in next week and I had the expected patter - if they can repair it they will, if not they'll replace with one they bring with them.

I remembered this thread and some of the issues that others had encountered, so I wondered what I should check with the fitter on the day, what warnings/problems to look for etc. It's a heated screen and they've confirmed that's what they'll bring with them.

Am I kidding myself in thinking if they do have to replace it, it will be straightforward to fit the new one on the spot, simple as that?

Your biggest issue will be if your car has a camera mounted for lane keep assist (did you get one of the driver assistance packs?). If you do then the camera etc. will need to be recalibrated with specialist equipment - only a few places have that.

If it's "just" the sensor for the automatic wipers then that shouldn't be so much an issue.

My problems were compounded by there not being any stock of replacement windscreens in the UK for my specification. I hope this has now been resolved.

I then had the problems caused by the incompetency of Autoglass who incorrectly installed the replacement windscreen which then had to be replaced!

The camera calibration was a nightmare which again was compounded by Autoglass damaging the cameras while replacing one of the windscreens. I believe Autoglass can now calibrate the camera systems on the Ateca, however I don’t know if I would trust them to do it correctly based on my experience last year!